Do you want to head away from the ski lifts and discover the freedom of the mountains? Splitboarding is all about strapping in, trekking out and riding untracked terrain that just isn’t possible to get to by hiking. Skiers have had this luxury forever, now it’s your turn!
Join us for a week in the freeride paradise of Sestriere, Italy, for 5 full days of backcountry guiding along with hotel accommodation and some epic Italian food. This course is a great way to get into splitboarding for the first time or to refine your skills, carry on your learning and discover somewhere new. The week will include both splitboarding and lift accessed backcountry riding with weather & snow conditions dictating the mix.
Throughout the course there is also a strong focus on teaching you mountain safety skills to build your knowledge on assessing risks and travelling safely in the backcountry. Over five days you will develop fundamental splitboard touring techniques & skills, how to assess ascent/decent lines and avalanche & mountain awareness.
The Milky Way is one of the largest ski areas in Italy, comprised of 6 linked ski resorts with Sestriere being the best base to explore the area. Located about 80km from Turin, the Milky Way borders with France and is connected to the French resort of Montgenèvre. The winter Olympics came to the Milky Way in 2006, bringing speedier lifts which means more time riding! The ski area boasts a great snow record and high altitude slopes which take you up to 2700m from Sestriere. Offering everything from hidden open bowls and steep couloirs to exciting lines through the larch forests, the area is a haven for off-piste snowboarding. With its vast and varied freeride terrain you can enjoy backcountry itineraries reaching 1500 meters of non-stop descent. Add a splitboard into the mix and your options are endless.
Our courses are run with a maximum of 6 in a group so that everyone receives excellent individual attention as well as maximising your snowboarding time, with minimal waiting and a safe experience in an off-piste environment.
This course is led by Gigi Lozzi a Sestriere freeride legend, alongside a member of the MINT team joining as a tail guide. Gigi will use his vast knowledge of the Sestriere & the Milky Way to take you on a fresh mountain adventure each day so you can ride the best powder conditions.
The Off Piste freeride course is designed as a progression from our Off Piste Freeride Intro Course & Technical Performance course, although neither are a compulsory precursor.
6 nights accommodation & 5 full days of backcountry guiding.
Group size:Â Max 6 (min 4)
A fun and exciting week, this course is fantastic way to discover a new alpine area and ride the incredible off-piste terrain it has to offer. Splitboarding will get even further into the backcountry wilderness, beyond the expanse of the ski lifts, experiencing a new type of snowboard adventure. This will be an exciting week filled with backcountry adventures exploring the incredible freeride terrain of Sestriere and the Milky Way.
This splitboard backcountry course is for advanced level riders with a good amount of previous off piste experience. This should include riding a variety of terrain and snow conditions, including tree runs and steeper slopes. No previous splitboard experience is necessary. You are looking to get out into the Italian backcountry, explore challenging and exciting terrain with the safety and knowledge of a professional mountain guide to lead the way.
A good level of fitness for this course is essential to make sure you get the most out of each day (in particular, cardio fitness is most important here).
The exact itinerary of the week remains flexible to allow for variations with the weather and snow conditions. We’ll study these each day before deciding where best to go, looking for the best off piste snowboarding for you.
During the week you will explore various areas such as those of Sestriere, Vallone, Sauze D’Oulx, Sansicario and Montgenevre on the French side of the Milky Way.
A 6 night stay is included in the Gran Hotel Sestriere, a majestic, 4-star hotel in the centre of Sestriere. The Grand Hotel Sestriere is a large, family-run hotel, offering high-quality comfort and its own spa & wellness centre. Included is afternoon tea for when you get off the slopes, followed by a buffet service meal including appetisers, first & second course and dessert.
Half board accommodation is provided in ensuite rooms, based on two sharing.
With local guide Gigi Lozzi and one of the MINT Snowboarding team.
6 nights half board hotel accommodation
Travel advice given upon booking
Please scroll down. Prices are shown below
Join us in the freeride paradise of Sestriere, Italy. Enjoy daily backcountry adventures on this…
Find out more
Join us on this backcountry splitboard course taking you to the most breathtaking snowboard destination…
Find out more
Discover the joys of off piste snowboarding on this professionally guided freeride course in Morzine…
Find out more
Ride waist deep powder in Japan on this professionally guided snowboard trip of a lifetime.…
Find out more
2 half days of off-piste guiding in Morzine / Avoriaz, exploring the best local spots…
Find out more